BCC Announces New Faculty/Staff, Promotions, Title Changes

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) announces the addition of four faculty/staff members, three promotions and two title changes. 
 
New Faculty/Staff
 
Jacqueline Bianco joins BCC as Assistant Professor - Physical Therapist Assistant Program. Originally from Trumbull, CT, she holds a bachelor of science degree in kinesiology / athletic training from the University of New Hampshire and a doctorate in physical therapy from Sacred Heart University. Bianco was a competitive gymnast in her youth, which led her to a career as a physical therapist. With 13 years of clinical experience, she was previously a physical therapist and personal trainer for Timeless Training and Gymfest Gymnastics in Pittsfield. She has lived in the Berkshires since 2011 and enjoys spending time with her 3-year-old daughter, working out, traveling to the beach and crocheting.
 
Caleb Kendig joins BCC as Maintainer I. A resident of Dalton, he is a graduate of McCann Technical school, where he studied information technology. He completed about two years of core classes and criminal justice classes at BCC before enrolling at Westfield State University, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a minor in history. Throughout high school and the two years he was at BCC, he worked for BJs Wholesale Club as a cart pusher and cashier. After college, he worked security at a summer camp and then at BCC as contracted security before the Maintainer I opportunity arose. Hobbies include video games, board games, anime, TV and movies, and Dungeons and Dragons.
 
Sarah Ryndak joins BCC as Employee Engagement & Talent Development Specialist. With 16 years of experience in higher education administration at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the Human Resources Department. Most recently, she served as the administrative director of the Collaborative Arts & Open Arts Program, where her responsibilities included oversight for human resources and compliance. At BCC, Sarah will focus on employee engagement and training while contributing to all areas of HR. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Boston College and a master’s degree in higher education from New York University’s Steinhardt School. Ryndak resides in Great Barrington with her husband and two daughters.
 
Rebecca Wehry joins BCC as Executive Director of Development. She brings extensive experience from her role as director of development at Buxton School, where she managed responsibilities similar to those she will take on at BCC. Previously, she served as associate director of development at Simon’s Rock for almost four years, including eight months as interim director. Wehry’s career began at MASS MoCA, where she spent 10 years in various roles, including manager of special events, partnerships and external affairs. She later joined Hancock Shaker Village. A Berkshire County native and MCLA graduate, Wehry also completed an undergraduate internship with Pittsfield’s Colonial Theatre. In her free time, she enjoys reading novels, going on adventures with her husband and three stepchildren, and caring for their two dogs and flock of chickens.
 
 
Promotions
 
Jason Dion is now Interim Director of Facilities. Previously, he was Plumber and Steamfitter II. He has been with BCC since May 2024.
 
Kaila Mullaney is now Academic Affairs Division Manager. She joined BCC in September 2021 as Administrative Assistant for the Vice President and Office of Academic Affairs.
 
Erin Seagrave is now Executive Director of Academic Operations, Planning and Assessment. She was previously Director of Academic Operations. She has been with BCC since July 2022.
 
 
Title changes
 
Julia Curletti is now Division Manager, Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. Previously, she was Interim Division Manager, Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. She has been with BCC since January 2017.               
 
Craig Ptak is now Recreation Facilities Supervisor III. Previously, he was Recreation Facilities Supervisor II. He joined BCC in March 2014.                

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Weekend Outlook: Fresh Start

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

Check out the events happening this weekend, including hiking, volunteering, fundraisers, and more.

Editor's Pick

First Friday
Downtown North Adams
Time: 5 to 9 p.m.

The new year is here so kick it off with music, art, and games that will fill downtown North Adams for its First Friday event, themed "Fresh Start." 

Participating businesses will have extended hours and many galleries will host openings, closings, and other special events.

More information and event line-up here.

Friday

Discover Greylock Hike
Mount Greylock Visitor Center, Lanesborough
Time: 1 p.m. 

Celebrate the great outdoors with a walk in the woods to explore seasonal changes the signs of wildlife along an easy-moderate trail.

This family-friendly 2-mile hike follows the Bradley Farm Trail with a gradual 440-ft elevation gain. 

Hikes may include tree identification, local history and orienteering. Be aware that trail conditions may be snow-covered, icy or muddy.

More information here.

Future Labs Gallery All Members Reception
43 Eagle St., North Adams
Time: 6 to 8 p.m.

View artwork by more than 40 Future Labs Gallery member artists. More information here.

Collaged Coasters for Tweens and Teens 
Milne Public Library Williamstown
Time: 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

"Decompress and Decoupage." Decoupage is the art of applying a collage of paper onto a surface. Make collage wooden coasters whether it's a gift or a piece of art to hang on your wall. More information here.

Karaoke 
Dalton American Legion
Time: 6 p.m. 

Sing your heart out while supporting the local American Legion Post. More information here.

Joni Mitchell Tribute Band Performance
17 Main St., South Egremont
Time: 8 p.m. 

Big Yellow Taxi, a Joni Mitchell tribute band, will perform many of Mitchell's popular songs. 

Tickets are $20. More information here.

Saturday

Music Bingo
Wahconah Country Club
Time: 6 p.m.

Help raise money for the girls and boys basketball program by playing a game of musical bingo. More information here.

Lecture by Former Peace Corps Volunteers
Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield
Time: 2 p.m.

Two former Peace Corps volunteers Eduardo and Edmundo tell their story of collecting used equipment from the Berkshires and shipping it to Honduras. More information here.

 

Tracking Winter Wildlife for Beginners
Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox
Time: 11 a.m. 

Take a beginner-friendly walk through fields and forests to search for tracks, scat, and signs of the delicate but exciting interactions between predators and their prey.
 
With any luck, you will find signs of coyotes, foxes, deer, rabbits, and more. Tickets are $15 for Mass Auburn members and $20 for non-members. 
 
More information here.  

'The Princess and the Frog' Screening 
Milne Public Library, Williamstown
Time: 1 p.m. 

Bring your family to the library for a free screening of the Disney classic, "The Princess and the Frog." Enjoy popcorn and to be more sustainable bring your own bowl. 

More information here.

Volunteer to Build Lee's Rink
Lee Athletic Field
Time: 10 a.m.

Volunteers are needed to help build Lee's skating rink. Email the Youth Commission to let them know you can make it.

More information here.

Full Moon Winter Hike 
Hilltop Orchards, Richmond
Time: 6:45 p.m. 
 
There will be a guided hike by Holly Brouker, under the full moon. The event also features a bonfire ceremony and wine and cider tasting. 
 
More information here
 
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